Washington Health System Washington Hospital FAQs

How do I obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate?

The hospital does not keep copies of birth or death certificates on file. You must contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health for a copy of a legal birth or death certificate. The request can be made by telephone, U.S. mail or the Internet. There is a fee involved.

How can I get a copy of my medical records?

Patients have the right to copies of their medical records. In order to preserve patient privacy, a valid HIPAA authorization must be completed and signed by the patient/guardian. In the case of the deceased patient, the Executor of the decedent’s estate or in the absence of an executor, the next of kin along with a short
certificate (from the County Register of Wills) or the person responsible for the disposition for the remains may consent. Information submitted will be validated prior to releasing any medical information and/or additional information may be requested.

The authorization form must be completed in its entirety. Please be specific regarding the information to be released by indicating the date(s) of the specified admission type such as Inpatient, Emergency Department, Outpatient Surgery or Outpatient Diagnostic and check off appropriate records to be released/obtained. An abstract is a composite of the record that is most helpful to our patients and contains the information that is sent to physicians for continuity of care. The abstract contains the discharge summary, history and physical, consultation reports, all operations, diagnostic and laboratory results.